PMS, a hotel property management software system, was traditionally defined as a platform which enables hotels to manage their front-office requirements such as billing, room assignment, booking reservations, and all the other time-consuming spreadsheet-related processes.
However, this technology has evolved significantly over the years and its services now cover more than just front desk processes. Cloud hotel PMS is now considered to be a critical business solution, enabling hotel staff to deliver a smooth guest experience.
In this article, you can find out more about cloud property management software, its advantages and how to choose the best option.
Cloud vs. on-premises
Cloud-based solutions are offered on a SaaS (software as a service) basis. Using cloud hotel software doesn’t require hosting, maintaining or upgrading a server. Everything you need is a stable internet connection, and you will be able to access all of your data in real time, from any kind of a device, anywhere, anytime.
Not only are cloud options much more convenient and cost-effective than the on-premises solutions, but they are also more secure, as security vulnerabilities and risks are significantly reduced when running applications via the internet.
Enterprise grade servers ensure that there are adequate firewalls, SSL, multiple levels of authentication, data encryption, intruder alerts and real-time data backup across regions to ensure business continuity.
An intuitive UI and simple work-flows with complex back-ends ensure that the learning curve is smooth. The web-based design of cloud hotel software decreases the need for employee training – every member of the staff who has at least some knowledge about the internet will find it easy and intuitive.
Some other benefits of cloud solutions also include:
- Flexibility – Cloud-based software systems can be programmed automatically to adjust to new features and updates. The interface can be customized, allowing your workers to choose any features that might seem useful.
- Affordability – While on-premises solutions require costly regular maintenance, cloud solutions don’t require any additional labor and hardware costs, making them much more affordable.
- Increase in ADR and RevPAR – With cloud hotel PMS, hotels are able to manage rates and allocation of rooms to different distribution channels with a goal to help maximize rates, occupancy and revenue.
- Integrations – Cloud-based software allows better and quicker integrations with other apps. Therefore, with cloud PMS, more services can be used or availed by the hotel.
Cloud hotel PMS advantages
The guest experience involves more than just choosing a travel destination and the hotel to stay in – it includes booking interactions, engagement with the hotel staff, in-room experience and giving feedback on social media platforms.
